Silica gel

Silica gel is a granular, porous material made from silicon dioxide, a component of sand. It is commonly used as a desiccant, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, helping to keep products dry. You often find it in small packets labeled "Do Not Eat" inside shoeboxes, electronics, and food packaging. Silica gel prevents mold, mildew, and degradation of items by reducing humidity. Although it looks like small beads, it’s not the same as the silica found in sand; it’s specially processed to have a high surface area for moisture absorption.